Bekas setpol Sanusi diperintah bela diri rasuah REE

The Attorney General's Chambers has ordered former Kedah State Secretary and former Deputy Chief Minister Mohamad Hilmi Abdul Wahab, 53, to defend himself against charges of soliciting and receiving bribes related to a project involving the extraction of ultra-rare earth minerals (REE) in the state, three years ago. The decision was made by Judge Suzana Hussin after finding the charges had a prima facie success.

"Therefore, the defendant is ordered to defend himself," she said, subsequently setting four days of trial starting from October 9. On November 20, 2023, Hilmi pleaded not guilty to the charges of soliciting RM250,000 in cash from Syarikat Perlombongan REE Sdn Bhd's Director Liana Mamat @ Khalid, 43, through Syed Muhammad Syid Aluvi, 37.

This was an attempt by the accused, then Kedah State Secretary Sanusi Nor, to assist the company in obtaining approval for mining and exploration licenses for REE-related projects in Kedah. Hilmi is alleged to have committed these acts at a premises in Sunway Kiara Hills, Taman Sri Hartamas, Kuala Lumpur, on July 4, 2023. He also pleaded not guilty to the charge of receiving RM150,000 in cash from an individual for the same purpose at a restaurant in Desa Sri Hartamas, Kuala Lumpur, on July 11, 2023.

The charges were brought under Section 16(a)(A) of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Agency Act 2009, which carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a fine of up to RM10,000, whichever is higher, if found guilty. The trial is being handled by Deputy Prosecutor Natrah Fareha Rahmat, while Hilmi is represented by lawyer Syed Naqiuddin Shahab.